Statement regarding death of Singaporean Soldier

The New Zealand Defence Force learned with sadness of the death of a member of the Singaporean Armed Forces due to injuries he received in an accident during a training exercise at Waiouru Military Training Area. Our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the soldier.

The soldier was taking part in Exercise Thunder Warrior which is an annual live-firing exercise held in Waiouru. No NZDF personnel were involved in the accident which happened as he was repairing a Singaporean howitzer. The New Zealand Defence Force hosts Exercise Thunder Warrior and provides administrative support and liaison officers but was not taking part in this year’s exercise.